"I was just surprised at how formidable she was," Clarkson says at the red carpet premiere of Lifetime/Sony Pictures Television cancer anthology, “Five."

Jennifer Aniston went behind the scenes to direct and executive produce Five, Lifetime and Sony Pictures' anthology of short films about breast cancer (Oct. 10, 9 p.m. ET/PT) -- and she did not disappoint.

"I was just surprised at how formidable she was. I've worked with a little someone called Martin Scorsese, a little someone called Woody Allen. And let me tell you, Jennifer holds her own, baby!" quipped Patricia Clarkson, who was directed by Aniston, at the New York City red carpet premiere (at Skylight Soho Monday night).

"Jennifer was awesome, extremely gracious and totally classy. And I'm not just saying that to kiss her ass. I'm saying that because it's true," added director Penelope Spheeris to The Hollywood Reporter.

Not to mention the perks of working with her. "This is kind of gross, but the toilets outside on the street...they were, uh, nice," said Spheeris.

When asked if she'd like to continue directing, Aniston told Access Hollywood, "Sure hope so. That's the plan. I'm not sure what or when or where, but yes." She was overheard inside the after-party saying about the film, "I'm so proud."

(Aniston also downplayed ex Brad Pitt's comments that he "wasn't living an interesting life" while they were married. "Oh, lord, it's not even worth discussing on a night like this," Aniston told Access Hollywood.)

Lifetime president Nancy Dubuc relished working with all women. "It was an eye-opening experience to go in front of the camera and behind the camera and all the people in the suits were women -- and how collaborative it was, and how easy it was, and the shorthand there was."

Aniston agreed.

"It was like a dream come true, honestly, and such an important piece that we all were invested in," Aniston said. "It was like working with, not only our best friends, but they're also incredible producers, and all of us coming together. We just can't believe that we're actually here. It's amazing."

EP Paula Wagner wanted to work on the project for another reason: Laura Ziskin, the famed producer who succumbed to her battle with breast cancer in June. "She was an inspiration and really motivated me to get involved with this,” Wagner told THR.